iMac 333 with CD-R drive to install Tiger

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Last seen: 15 years 2 months ago
Joined: Mar 25 2005 - 17:03
Posts: 5
iMac 333 with CD-R drive to install Tiger

Hi. I still got an iMac 333 working good. But the system Panther 10.3.9 (I bought when was lauched) is to old, it's becoming unstable and malfunction - it's time to a fresh install. However, Panther is no longer supported by most of software developers, it's to old at the market too. It's time to a Tiger!

To put a Tiger, is not a simple thing. I could't find the CD version so I... found a CD-R version! The CD-ROM does not work anymore, and the external CD-ROM cannot boot from it (USB 1.1). I got a MacMini Intel that does not run Tiger to make an external install directly to HD. I try to share the CD-R of MacMini and boot from network but that not happens - as I read, without Mac OS X server is not a simple thing. Maybe the only solution is attach a working CD-R drive at the ATA port.

Well, the ATA port got a 50 vias connector. Things are getting worst! 99% of ATA optical drivers got 40 vias (or 80) and converting to 50 is not a simple thing. We got power over the same cable so if we made a mistake, we may need to call 911. There is some CD-R drivers to sell at Internet (e-Bay also), but is not cheap (near do US$ 100,00).

Should I seat and cry? Or is there something else that I havan't tryed?

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Last seen: 1 year 2 months ago
Joined: Sep 23 2005 - 13:29
Posts: 316
try to use a regular CD drive

try to use a regular CD drive (or DVD drive) on the main ATA port (the one that the hard drive is connected to.)

Use a regular PC ATA cable; set the CD or DVD drive to amster; and the target hard drive to slave; and try the install that way.

you will need a power splitter cable as well; to power the CD/DVD drive.

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Last seen: 15 years 2 months ago
Joined: Mar 25 2005 - 17:03
Posts: 5
a good idea

The both ATA ports got 50 pin, HOWEVER, the HD got 40 pin - it's a regular HD. So the cable got 50 - 40 pin connectors. So I'll look for a 40 pin extension cable (much more easy) or another 50 / 40 pin cable.

There is some hope! I'll post the result of this new trials.

Thank you so far.

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Last seen: 5 years 4 months ago
Joined: Nov 14 2006 - 06:53
Posts: 13
Almost there...

Hi! I was been a little busy, but I'm back to this unfinished task.

Following the idea of evilrobot, I buy a flat 40 pin IDE cable and connect HD and a CD/DVD at the ATA 0 port. The power cable is from a disassembled external HD case (don't wanna burn logic board uhn). The flat cable came out from tray loading empty hole (I take it off).

Looks like hell, but iMac works and recognize it both! And could be perfect, but even mounting and reading volumes from CD/CDR media, iMac does not boot from it.

I try some install discs I got and I know it's working (a Jaguar and a 8.6). If I force iMac by booting with my little fingher over the "C", a folder with a "?" keep flashing until I let it load the system from the HD.

XPosFacto says that is not a bootable device, invalid partition map.

Maybe a slave ATA device cannot be a bootable device, or there is something at the hardware to setup...

What do you think?

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Last seen: 5 years 4 months ago
Joined: Nov 14 2006 - 06:53
Posts: 13
At last...

I did it! Tiger is running! Now I'm beginning to tune it. Still take hours to boot it...

It's a hard job! You should not try it at home! If you got some money, buy a newer Mac...

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